EDGY Conference

Aiden- Headshot
Aiden Aizumi
M.Ed, MS
Options for Youth; PFLAG Pasadena
Aiden Aizumi
Aiden Takeo Aizumi (he/him) is a proud Japanese American trans man, educator, and advocate who believes in the power of storytelling to create change. Born in Japan and adopted into a loving family, Aiden spent the first 20 years of his life as someone he knew he wasn’t. After coming out as transgender in 2008, he began a journey of healing, empowerment, and purpose. Today, Aiden serves as a School Counselor at Options for Youth – Pasadena and as President of PFLAG Pasadena, where he supports LGBTQ+ youth and their families. He’s passionate about building spaces where young people feel seen, safe, and celebrated. Aiden lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Mary, and their rescue pup, Kuma—and when he’s not counseling or advocating, he’s probably out taking photos, exploring coffee shops, or planning his next Disneyland trip.

SESSION OVERVIEW

Then, Now & What’s Next – A 10-Year Reflection with Marsha & Aiden Aizumi
Ten years ago, Marsha and Aiden Aizumi graced the EDGY stage with a powerful message of love, resilience, and transformation. As a mother and son duo, they shared their deeply personal journey through Aiden’s coming out as transgender, and the evolution of their relationship—from fear and confusion to advocacy and unconditional love. Now, a decade later, Marsha and Aiden return to EDGY to revisit the conversation they started and to reflect on what has changed, what hasn’t, and what has been challenged or reversed in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion. In this deeply moving and thought-provoking keynote, Marsha and Aiden will offer an honest look at the past ten years—personally, politically, and communally. They'll share updates on their lives, the advocacy work they've continued, and the personal growth that has shaped them along the way. But they won’t stop there. Together, they will also look ahead, asking the urgent question: How do we continue to build inclusive, affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and families, especially during times of heightened adversity and backlash? Through stories, wisdom, and connection, this keynote will challenge us to reimagine what support truly looks like—for ourselves, for our communities, and for the generations coming next. Whether you're a longtime fan of Marsha and Aiden’s work or hearing them for the first time, their return to EDGY is sure to inspire, ground, and ignite all who are committed to equity, healing, and hope.